CRIME: Close Circuit Camera Bill passes second reading in Delta Assembly

A bill to provide for compulsory installation of Close Circuit Camera in public places in order to checkmate crime in the state has passed second reading on the floor the Delta State House of Assembly.

A motion for the bill titled, 'Delta State Public Occupational Safety Bill, 2017' was moved by Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Tim Owhefere and seconded by Hon. Okagbare Uviejitobor.

Opening debate on the bill, the Majority Leader, explained that due to the dynamics of today's world the need for security in public places could not go unnoticed hence the state government must borrow a leaf from security measures obtainable in advanced climes.

According to him, the law would hold owners of public centers such as shopping malls, cinemas, pubs amongst others to procure and install specific cameras for the purpose of recording as certain footages from camera have helped in solving crime.

Owhefere argued that section four of the bill posited that whatever was recorded by the camera must not be deleted as such information are classified and could not be transferred unless by process of a court order.

He explained that section seven defined the penalty for stated offences which include default, removal, destruction and or repositioning of camera adding that the offence is liable to two years imprisonment or a fine of one million naira.

The lawmaker further stated the bill provides that corporate entities found wanting are liable to a fine of N1.5 million, or closure of such premises while recording for blackmail purposes, constitutes an offence liable to one year imprisonment and or N500, 000 fine.

Joining in the debate, member representing Warri South II, Hon Dennis Omovie stated that in view of the current economic depression the bill as presented was tactfully draftedOmovie who pledged the support of Warri South II to the bill argued that provision of fine in the bill would deter people who deliberately want to default or renege on the law.

Other members who spoke including, Hon Peter Onwusanya, Hon Emeka Elekeokwuri, Hon Daniel Yingi and Hon Rueben Izeze, said the bill would provide for a law that would touch directly on the people. "It strengthens the right to private life and does not violate any law."

The bill passed second reading after a voice vote thrown to the floor by the Speaker, which was unanimously given assent.

An Adhoc committee headed by Hon. Dennis Omovie, with Honorables Emeka Elekeokwuri, Efe Ofoburuku, Emeka Nwaobi and Shola Daibo as members.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori directed the committee to present their report on Tuesday 5, September, 2017.

Plenary was adjourned to next week Tuesday 18, July, 2017

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